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+ servings

Harissa

The quintessential mediterranean condiment. Chili paste with garlic, citrus, garlic and spices. Perfect to add a RogueChef twist to a sauce or dish
Prep Time 45 minutes
Aging 1 day
Total Time 1 day 45 minutes
Course Ingredient, Sauce
Cuisine Arabic, Mediterranean
Servings 8 servings
Calories 79 kcal

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ea Dried Mild Chilies New Mexico, Hatch, or Ancho
  • 10 ea Dried Hot Chilies Guajilo, Ancho, Chipotle,  or Arbol
  • 6 cloves Garlic Peeled, Minced
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tbsp Cumin Seed Toasted, Ground
  • 2 tsp Coriander Seed Toasted, Ground
  • 1 tsp Caraway seed
  • 1/4 Cup Olive Oil Good Stuff
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Use the zest as well
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Salt

Instructions
 

  • Remove stems and seeds from dried chilies. (Keep the seeds for extra heat)
  • Place chilies into a medium bowl and cover with very hot water, cover to rehydrate and steam, ~20 minutes
  • Add spices, garlic, and salt to food process, pulse to mix
  • Add lemon juice and zest, vinegar, pulse to mix
  • Drain the rehydrated peppers, add to food processor, process to a paste, scraping sides as needed
  • Stream in the olive oil to create the texture desired
  • Taste, season, and balance flavor.
  • Scoop into a non reactive container and age in fridge for a day

Notes

The pepper blend here is adjusted to my palate.  One may want to start with more mild peppers, and less hot peppers.
This can be used as a straight up condiment on shawarma, or falafel, or straight up as a rub for chicken or lamb. It can be included in a marinade for chicken or lamb, or as part of an overall sauce.  (Think yogurt, and caramelized onions)
One can thin with additional olive oil and use as a drizzle / tarka for hummus, beans or greens.
I have an idea to marinate blocks of tofu in a harissa / sesame / soy mix ...
The flavors will  improve whilst in the fridge, but will be quite flavorful after a day of aging.
When tasting / seasoning / balancing the flavor:
  • Add cayenne pepper for heat.
  • Mellow with sugar if needed.
  • Add vinegar / lemon for tartness.
  • Add tomato paste / paprika for depth.

Nutrition

Calories: 79kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 311mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 849IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Jalapeno, Lemon, Peppers, Sauce
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!